Publisher:Less Than Three Press, LLC (Sept. 18th, 2013)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Cat
Blurb:Todd and Daniel have been dancing around each other for almost a year, both afraid to take that step past ‘just friends’. Then Todd waits on a customer who introduces himself as Joshua, and leaves Todd a strange message in the form of a spell-infused coffee sleeve, gifting him with love at first sight. Their first sight long-since gone, Todd and Daniel both see the magical present as the potential end to any chance they have together.
Review: Todd is a coffee shop Barista. One day, a handsome man who leaves him a ticket for Love at first sight visits him. This bothers Todd because he has a thing for his neighbour Daniel and they have known each other for close to a year but just flirt. He confides in Daniel about the weird meeting and Daniel is a bit unhappy and wary since wishes don’t work on him and he is afraid to start anything with Todd that he will fall in love at someone else on first sight.
This is a very cute, sweet story of Magic and love. I would have liked to have more about each character since we got hardly any backstory and I would have loved to know more about Daniel’s secret and the Gifter’s secret,too. However, having said that, the actual story was cute, if not a bit predictable. But, a great sweet fun read for a night you need a little lift.
If you like, a good, short story about friends to lovers, and magical twists this is for you.
Blurb:With his cousin laid up from a broken ankle, Lee agrees to help him out and combine a beach vacation with a bit of legwork to scope out a haunted lighthouse. That his cousin agrees to pay for the vacation certainly makes a cheesy ghost tour bearable. Lee’s plan is to get the work out of the way quickly, then spend the rest of his time on sun, sand, and all the blood and sex a vampire can stand. But, the cute hotel clerk he picks out proves to be anything, but an easy snack.
Review: Engaging beach read, short and kind of sweet little story about what you think you want isn’t always what you need or should have. The characters are fun and written as well-rounded people. The writing flows, the setting is clear in your mind.
Lee, a vampire, is just looking for a summer vacation of love um, bite um and leave um while helping his cousin out. And the cute guy at the hotel counter is looking like a good bet. Except Jayden doesn’t fall for Lee’s vampire glamour or enthrall. Hmm, why would that be? Well maybe because Jayden’s a Hedge witch, one of the few paranormals that are resistant to vampires. Now intrigued, he gives up his idea of love/bite and leave um to pursue Jayden.
I truly enjoyed this story and am looking forward to reading more from this author
Publisher: Less Than Three Press (August 28th, 2013)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: Kian is dragged along as moral support when his friend Chloe goes to get a tattoo done. What he thinks will be a boring few hours standing around a shop proves exciting instead, when an attraction to the tattoo artist proves to be both mutual and scorching.
And if they can survive the challenges thrown across their path, it may also prove to be something beautiful and permanent.
Review: This story was short and sweet with just a little bit of sexy.
Kian accompanies his best friend to get a tattoo and is instantly enamored with the tattoo artist, Silver. Once pleasantries are exchanged and Kian learns that the tattoo was also a set up of sorts, he and Silver waste no time getting down to business.
I would love to have a full story of Kian and Silver, this novella could easily have been a synopsis for a full-length novel. You get background on the characters, where they are currently in their lives and even a sneak peek at their future, together! There is even an ‘oh my god’ moment that could have caused strife, but Kian and Silver rode it out and came out on the other side stronger.
If you are looking for something quick and sexy, I recommend you give Skin Deep a try.
Publisher: Less Than Three Press (July 10th, 2013)
Heat Level:Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Laurie
Blurb:Aiden has a crush on Shawn, but there are two problems in the way of the happily ever after he knows they’re meant to have. The first is Shawn’s new boyfriend, Noah. The second is Jordan, Shawn’s best friend and Aiden’s long-standing rival for his affections. So how’s a man to overcome such obstacles?
Not by accidentally sleeping with his rival. And not by going on the camping trip from hell, where Aiden swiftly loses track of what it is he really wants.
Review: Enemy to friends, self-introspection and seeing those around you as they really are and growing up a bit. All of these are a part of Aiden’s story.
Aiden is a bit self-absorbed and wants who he wants, when he wants and doesn’t seem to care that’s it’s for all of the wrong reasons. I didn’t always like who Aiden was while reading this story. But he does redeem himself in the end.
Aiden want Shawn, not to keep, but just to have for a few hot encounters and mostly to keep Shawn away from his best friend, who he hates with a passion. Shawn’s best friend, Jordon wants Shawn and tries to keep Aiden at bay by always being there with Shawn. And Shawn doesn’t want either. Shawn has very different ideas of who should be with whom. As evidenced by what happens at Aiden’s birthday party.
So when Shawn invites Aiden, mister city boy, to go camping with him, his date Noah and Jordon, well he’s not giving Jordon a clear, clean shot at snagging Shawn. And he has to get Noah out of the picture too. So of course he’s going. And there starts the misadventures in the wilderness. Through those misadventures, Aiden starts the growing up process, learning about himself, how other see him and starts to see these guys as they truly are.
This story was a fun, fast and well written read, and the character are engaging, if not always likable. I would love the author to write some more of these guys’ story.
Blurb: Jackie Black is a cowboy and sorcerer and proud of both. He spends his days breaking curses and locating items of interest for other abnormals. His pride and joy are the alchemy-enhanced pistols at his hips. The love of his life is Roman, a businessman and witch. Tired of living several states apart, Jackie decides to surprise Roman by moving closer.
But instead of being a happy surprise, Jackie finds himself the victim of an unpleasant one. Alone in a strange city, with nowhere to go and his world in pieces, Jackie is taken in by an old man who says he is a paranormal detective and could use someone of Jackie’s power and abilities to catch a killer.
Review:This story is part of a series but can be read as a standalone, although it is best-enjoyed read in order. Jackie is a cowboy sorcerer and is proud to be both, he spends his time breaking curses and finding items for other abnormals. Jackie has finally decided to take a step to making his relationship to his lover more permanent by moving to the same city, but he gets a surprise of his own when he makes an unexpected visit to his lover. Alone and upset Jackie is asked to help an old paranormal detective, but when the task is done Jackie discovers the old detective has been attacked and Jackie won’t rest until he has captured the culprit.
This is a great addition to the Dance With The Devil series continuing in the same universe as the previous books and we meet some of the previous characters as Jackie seeks justice. Jackie Black is a great character; he is a proper cowboy with all their turns of phrase. Jackie is also a sorcerer and he loves his alchemy-enhanced pistols, and he uses them often and with skill. When Jackie has his heart-broken by his lying cheating lover, he doesn’t let it interfere with his new case that he has taken on for himself. We get dragged into a world of mystery and intrigue as Jackie hunts for an evil killer who is after a secret that is best left buried.
I thought this story was great, I loved the way we get drawn into a world of danger and secrets, the way that Jackie won’t back down from a challenge and how he is completely blindsided by Ned… well how we all were. Jackie is a wonderful character and for the first half of the story we wonder just who his love interest will be, will it be Wyatt the annoying kid who annoys everyone, will it be Phoenix the damaged vampire or Ned the demon who has a huge grudge? It was nicely done because it came out of nowhere and the characters played it nicely so when we do discover who Jackie’s love interest is we are surprised. The actually storyline becomes blurry at times as you try to keep up with what is going on, mainly because there seems to be more people involved than originally thought and all of them seem bent on killing.
I recommend this story to those that love paranormals galore, danger at every turn, digging out old secrets, righting a wrong, discovering love, and getting the bad guys.
Blurb: The charms and elixirs crafted by the fae are highly prized and notoriously difficult to obtain. The fae charms Fihr sells at his stall are lucrative business, but he would happily throw it all away to have a chance with Satu, the beautiful faerie who makes the charms. When he catches Satu trying to run away, terrified of his betrothed, Fihr throws all caution aside, determined to help Satu no matter what it takes.
When Satu determines to run away rather than face an arranged marriage, Fihr steps in quickly to help. He learns Satu’s parents agreed for him to marry a wealthy gnome, but Satu fears all the gnome is really interested in is his ability to create powerful fae elixirs.
Fihr agonized over how to talk Satu into staying with him, only to find it’s what Satu always wanted.
They decide to marry to ensure Satu can’t be forced into marriage with the gnome. However, the gnome doesn’t give up quite so easily.
This is a nicely crafted, if brief, venture into the world of Fihr and Satu. I recommend it for those who love fantasy and who want something short and sweet.
Publisher: Less Than Three Press (November 14th, 2012)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts
Blurb: Banished from court when the King runs out of patience for his predilection for men, Jothan is forced to take up the title of Baron of Darkwood and charged with the task of making the lands profitable again. But when he arrives, all he finds is a crumbling castle, neglected servants, and a monstrous creature no one else ever seems to see …
Review: This is a sweet tale of the power of love.
Jothan accepts that being entitled, as Baron of Darkwood is a means of removing him from court. When he arrives at the dilapidated castle, the first thing to cross his path is a living gargoyle.
He offers protection to a rag-tag of peasants, who become his servants. However, one appears only after sundown, the mysterious Delphas. No one other than Jothan sees either the gargoyle beast or the elusive Delphas.
He and Delphas become lovers, although the young man refuses to say where he goes by day.
Jothan discovers that Delphas was the squire, and nephew, of the last Baron, Lord Peredur. Delphas explains he is cursed by his aunt, a witch who killed his uncle, and who died herself at Peredur’s hand. Jothan is prepared to fight the curse, and kill whatever demon pursues Delphas. However, he is shocked to discover that Delphas and the gargoyle are one and the same.
Jothan will not give up his beautiful lover, saying that even when Delphas is in the guise of the monstrous gargoyle, he sees only love. Can he and Delphas find a way to break the curse?
Publisher: Less Than Three Press (9th January 2013)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb:From the world of The Missing Butterfly comes a tale of two men who cannot stand one another, but cannot stand to be apart …
Jet gave up everything to make it to the top of rock. On track to take over his family’s business and wealth, he defied everyone to start at the bottom and work his way up to become drummer of one of the world’s most popular bands, Forever and a Dai. And his family might have forgiven him if he hadn’t taken his cousin Dai with him.
Jason is everything Jet chose not to be: an obedient son, a powerful and respected lawyer, wealthy, established, and set to inherit the family kingdom. Dai’s brother, and Jet’s cousin, he is a constant reminder of everything Jet should be and is not.
But everybody has secrets, and those secrets are all about to come out.
Previously a Less Than Three Press serialized online fiction
Review: Jet turned his back on the family business to embark on a career in the music world. His cousin Dai joined him, much to the family’s disapproval. Now, having worked hard they are in the world-famous band, Forever and a Dai. Jason is the white sheep in the family, staying behind and doing as his parents want. But, he has his own secrets and as his uncle (Jet’s father) dies, all the family secrets come bubbling to the surface.
This is a great family/rock group story that has many twists and secrets. Jet is estranged from his parents and uncle after making his own way in life. the only one that he still has any real contact with, beside his best friend and band mate Dai, is his cousin Jason who is also his lawyer. When Jet’s father dies, Jet gets a shock. But, Jason is there to help him. Unfortunately, things get nasty when Jason’s father gets involved. Jason has his own problems and soon secrets begin to come out. Jason is just getting ready to fight dirty, when the biggest secret crumbles. Finally, Jason and Jet can live their lives how they want.
The characters in this book are all wonderful with visiting characters from TheMissing Butterfly series and from future books and series. Jet and Jason are a combustible couple, having to hide their feelings from the world because they are cousins. But, they also hide their own feelings from each other. The writing is well done and the storyline flows really well. There’s some angst and drama that fits well and the love story is great with its forbidden aspects. This story is filled with ups and downs, scheming and backstabbing with unexpected danger, there’s nothing like emotional blackmail from family members to bring out the sneaky vindictive side of a lawyer.
I will recommend this to those who love conflicted families, seemingly forbidden love, threats, danger, secrets uncovered and a very happy ending.
Publisher: Less Than Three Press (21st November 2012)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: When Arion’s church gets one of the famed statues of judgment, the last thing he expects is for the statue to disrupt his life by activating his mage potential, and then telling him that the statue is actually a unicorn named Zephyr. Spurred on by the need to train his now active magic, and also from a sense of compassion, Arion lets Zephyr into his head, offering him a chance to find a way to free himself from his stone prison.
Review: Arion is an altar boy in the Truth Temple when the church receives one of the rare statues of judgment, Arion’s mage potential is activated, and he begins to have strange conversations with the judgment statue, a statue that believes it is a unicorn called Zephyr. Zephyr convinces Arion to help in releasing him from his stone prison, but the solution is harder to come by, and they have to turn to the mage Danel and his familiar partner, Sekani, for help with a spell.
This is a good fantasy that begins the world building of a series involving the capture and enslavement of a family of Unicorns. Arion is a good solid character who manages to fall in love with a Unicorn before he even truly meets him, he takes Zephyr into himself to help Zephyr get his horn back and to remove the spell on Zephyr, and falls in love with Zephyr’s essence. Zephyr learns about human emotions from Arion and in turn finds himself falling in love with Arion, but they have to escape from an assistant mage who wants power and money.
I quite enjoyed this short story and was very interested in the background building that I saw, I would have liked to have had that background more fleshed out, i.e. how the priests first became involved with the statues? Why are they hiding the truth? How have they kept the truth hidden for so long? but I have a feeling that we will get more information in future books. I must admit that at first I thought that there would be a love triangle. But, I discovered even though Arion did have an attraction to Danel, Arion had already fallen for Zephyr. Yes, I know, it leaves you in confusion as to why Danel had a large part in the story, but upon further investigation, I discovered that Danel will be appearing in future stories with the Unicorn brothers, so I expect that we will see his story at some point.
I will recommend this story to those who love fantasy, secrets hidden, a really good storyline, great characters, betrayal, freedom, and a happy ending with the promise of more to come in the future.
Publisher: Less Than Three Press (26th December 2012)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Shy, closeted college student and part-time barista Soren prefers to keep to himself, despite the urgings of family and friends to break out of his routines and live a little more. He likes things exactly as they are; school is going well; he has his study-buddy Sloane, long-distance best friend Liz, his online friend Tru, and a ridiculously hot boss to stare at longingly. It might not work for everyone, but it’s working for him.
Comfortable routine is upended the day Tru suddenly suggests they meet, and Soren finds himself uncharacteristically agreeing to coffee. When his date proves to be the last person he expects, a simple date is only the start of all the complications Soren has always tried to avoid.
Review: Soren is shy and quite; he has his job as a barista, he has his close friend Sloane and he has his school, but he breaks out of his shell one day and agrees to meet with his online friend Tru. The meeting doesn’t go as planned and Soren is left wondering just what he should do next. Lucas is a shift supervisor barista and has never really noticed Soren before, but after arranging a date with an online friend, he realizes just how much Soren appeals to him.
This is a wonderful finding yourself story for these two young men, both main characters discover themselves as we progress through the book, and they discover the courage to face everything head on. Soren is a character that is very quiet; he will back down or dodge when questioned head on and has made avoiding decisions an art form, when he finally gives Lucas a chance, he discovers that he has to take control of his life and to start standing up for himself. Lucas is a character that is very sure of himself; he knows what he wants and goes after it, when he does notice Soren, he discovers that he wants much more than he ever thought he would.
This story is a journey of discovery for Soren and Lucas, both of them grow as the story progresses, and they face the challenges that are thrown at them. Soren is a slow developing character; he has slow progress as he comes out of his shell, but he makes huge leaps and bounds as he starts to stand up for himself and what he wants. Lucas has his own confusion to work through as he faces the inner struggle to get to grips with how he feels. Both Soren and Lucas face the turmoil of coming out to their parents and the hostility of a co-worker.
I have to say that this is a very involved story, you get to know the characters very well and you become invested in them. The romance is very sweet and is drawn out throughout the book, there is no rushing in this story; it is all drawn out really well. There’s love, romance, angst, misunderstandings, a near miss with danger and some conflict, but most of all there is growth and finding the person you can be.
I will recommend this story to those who want a true finding yourself story, developing love, some parental conflict and a very sweet happy ending.
Blurb: Ingram is a coward and weakling—at least according to his father, the king, and the royal court. He cannot use a sword, he faints at the sight of blood, and even his brilliant abilities as a strategist are not enough to overcome his failings. When his father loses a bet to the notorious Lord Mallory over the matter of a dragon slaying, he pays his debt by ordering Ingram to marry him.
Then his father reveals that he is putting Ingram to a greater purpose, giving Ingram one last chance to prove he is not worthless. All it requires is betraying his new husband.
Review: Ingram is seen by his father, the king Roderick, as a weakling because he can’t wield a sword and the sight of blood makes his queasy and faint. Not even Ingram’s brilliant strategists mind can make up for those failings and his father has little time for him, until Lord Mallory walks into the banquet hall. Roderick laid down a challenge and Lord Mallory met it, Ingram has to pay the price by marrying Mallory, but his father makes his plans clear and Ingram will have a choice to make, either make his father proud and betray his new husband or forever be a failure in his father’s eyes.
This story is a about a prince who just wants his father to be proud of him, but he becomes torn when he discovers what a good man his new husband really is. Both Ingram and Mallory are good characters and we get a very good feel for both of them, because of the circumstances it takes them time to really get to know each other, so it is a very slow progressing relationship. They both go into the marriage with an ulterior motive, and they both soon discover the truth of character about the other and while Mallory’s acceptance of Ingram is easier, Ingram’s causes him trouble by an ultimatum laid down by his father.
The fantasy storyline is intriguing as it unfolds, with dragons and magic and long-buried secrets coming out. We get some general background and world building, which gives us enough to grasp the unfolding story, and we discover manipulations and plans for a coup. Ingram comes into his own when he is with Mallory, he finally accepts his own worth, and stands up for what he wants. Mallory has to reveal all his secrets to Ingram, but he has come to realize that Ingram will protect them with his life. Ingram’s brother and sister also play a good part and are vital in stopping the destruction of the kingdom, we meet many other characters who you can see will play major parts in future books and the book is definitely just the beginning of something much bigger.
I will recommend this to those who want a great fantasy, intrigue, secrets, dragons, manipulation, magic, a homicidal dragon bent on revenge, magic users who want power, shifters and a happy for now ending.
Publisher: Less Than Three Press (17th April 2013)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: THE BANAM-HIN: An elite guard of the royal palace and city, they are seldom seen beyond them. Asdelar is a Blade of marked skill, but also a man who lives loud—flirtatious, teasing, open and free with affection. Life is not meant to be dull, even for a Blade.
THE IMALT-WOR: The notorious strong arms of the king, they maintain his law across the land. They are highly disciplined, respected, and feared. Hinego is as strict in his personal life as he is maintaining the king’s law. He has no time or patience for careless wastrels.
Forced to work together to locate the king’s missing niece, neither man sees the journey ending in anything but disaster.
Review: Hinego is an Imalt-Wor (Reds) he roams the land with his fellow warriors keeping the kings laws upheld, he is as strict in his personal life as he is with his job and he has no time for wastrels like the Blade he has been teamed up with for a mission. Asdelar is a Banam-Hin (Blade) an elite swordsman who is protection for the royals and the city, he lives life to the fullest, snatching enjoyment wherever he can and he wishes he could get the Reds to loosen up a bit. Forced to work together on a mission for the king, both men have to learn to accept the other and discover just what has happened to the king’s niece.
The Gravemen is a great fantasy of opposites attracting once two men get to spend time together and get under each other’s skin. We come into this story after Hinego and Asdelar are already paired up and they are on their journey, immediately you can feel the tension and frustration from Hinego because Asdelar seems to be treating their mission like a holiday. You actually agree with him as well, Hinego is experienced with the country and towns whereas Asdelar has lived his work life mainly in the palace and hasn’t a clue how to act among the masses, he cause trouble through his carelessness and refusal to listen. Asdelar also can’t open his mouth without flirting and puts poor Hinego on edge constantly… but when Asdelar turns to a new traveling companion for company Hinego can’t understand why it annoys him.
The mission part is interesting as both men are stumped as to where the kings niece has disappeared to, it doesn’t help them that she had a habit of running off, so they both have to discover if she has just run off again or if this time she has been kidnapped. Following the limited non-clues leads them to danger and they both have to work together and apart to recover the kings’ niece. Their relationship is very rocky and they just begin to warm up to each other when they are joined by another traveler who monopolizes Asdelar time and drives a further wedge between Hinego and Asdelar. And it isn’t until they are both in danger that they really realize what the other has become to them. There’s some great action scenes and we also get scenes where they open up a bit to the other (large quantities of alcohol are involved) and the ending scene gives us hope for the two men.
I recommend this to those who love fantasy, an awkward warrior and a flirtatious swordsman, an interesting journey, an awkward relationship being built and a happy for now ending.
Blurb: Daniel is a sorcerer, good at magic and taking all the credit—or so it seems to Liam. In Daniel’s eyes that’s vastly preferable to being Liam, a hunter who excels at killing beasts and sleeping with everything else. They cooperate only to keep their country safe—until a new and greater danger calls for desperate measures that takes them to the land of gods, and the only way home again is by facing monsters, gods, and truths they’ve been avoiding.
Review: Daniel’s a sorcerer, Liam’s a Hunter both fighting for the same side against the hell spawn and Idonahites. Daniel despises Liam for his callus attitude and his bed hopping and bragging and Liam hates Daniel for his cold snobbish behavior, but when they fall for a trap Daniel has to take drastic action. Liam and Daniel end up in the land of the Gods to get back home they have to face gods, monsters, and their own truths before finally arriving home just in time to help in the final battle.
This is a pretty good fantasy story where two men hate each other, but when they are searching for a way home they begin to understand what drives the other. Daniel has great power and he has a special power that makes him invaluable to the fight against the hell spawn, he can hear their thoughts, but it is a power that comes at great cost. Liam is a hunter and it is what he is good at, well that and seducing any man he sees, he was a street rat and the hunters saved him from a life on the street or prison. Liam lives each day to the fullest and grasps any hint of happiness in both hands. Daniel protects his heart from hurt and keeps everyone at arm’s length.
Both Liam and Daniel are well written characters, the story switches between their perspectives so you get a very clear picture of what each of them think of the other. Liam gets on your nerves a bit with his sluttish attitude and bragging skills and the way he callously treated Daniel when they first met, but as you get to know him he sort of grows on you as you begin to figure out that his attitude is its own shell to protect Liam. Daniel is the one that you get close to straight away because his damage is all there for us to see as soon as we get in his head, his botched romance, and the debilitating pain he suffers from because of his powers and his wish that he had someone just to talk to.
The storyline is quite good with the twist of going to the Gods lands and having to cross the lands to get back to the human realm, with the monsters and mind games that is thrust upon them. I liked the way that both men first started out as tentative friends but then turned to adversaries when Daniel discovered Liam’s plan to seduce him then brag about it. The way that on the journey they began to understand why the other ticked and came to a sexual understanding and then love, only to have it implode just before they got home and then after the final battle they both put aside their pride to maybe start something meaningful.
I recommend this if you love fantasy, hellish creatures, magic, dealing with the Gods, finding love that is rocky and a happy for now ending that could well be a happily ever after.
Publisher: Less Than Three Press (21st November 2012)
Heat: Low – Moderate
Heart: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: When the Queen is struck down by a deadly curse, Leal’s only chance of saving her depends on cooperating with the Dragon Master, Hawk. But Hawk, like the rest of the palace, has no love of the foreign Leal or his magic, and would much rather throw Leal in prison until he has good enough reason to execute him.
Review: Leal is a strong sorcerer from Serenee, brought to a new land, Ecottia, when his Prince married their Queen. None of the Serenee are trusted, because of their use of magic. And now the Queen has fallen foul of a deadly curse. Leal turns to the Dragon Master, Hawk, for help and although he isn’t trusted, Leal sets out on a journey with Hawk to find the cure for the Queen. Hawk would rather throw all the Serenee’s in the dungeon (oh he did), but even he knows that he will need Leal’s help on his quest, and Hawk also discovers that maybe there is a Serenee man that he could trust.
Ooohhhh curses, quests, backstabbing and betrayal, trust, love and rescues *happy dance* and all in 113 pages *happy sigh*. Leal knows what will happen if he doesn’t find a cure for the curse cast on the Queen. All his country men and women, as well as his Prince, face imprisonment or death and all because they have magic. Reaching out for help from the only man he can trust, the Dragon Master Hawk, they embark on a journey that will take them into the depths of the forest, to the scorching desert lands, to the island trapped by the sea and to the heights of the rocky mountains.
This story was a wonder for the imagination giving us an array of wonderful creatures, a great storyline and wonderful characters. Leal and Hawk are brilliant together. Hawk doesn’t trust Leal because he uses magic, but he has always felt an attraction towards him. Leal has always hero worshiped Hawk, but was rebuffed when they first met. On the journey together Hawk has his prejudice fall away and he sees Leal for the man he truly is, and they develop a relationship that is soon tested. This is a well written story and I really wish it was longer, but that’s just me being selfish *sigh*.
I will recommend this to those who adore fantasy, knights, dragons (Firebright is so cool), mythical creatures, sweet loving, great characters, some danger and a very happy sweet ending.
Blurb:Nine gods ruled the world, until the ultimate betrayal resulted in their destruction. Now, the world is dying and only by restoring the Lost Gods can it be saved.
Verde is ruled by the mortal reincarnations of their Lost Gods: the Faerie Queen, the Pegasus, and the Unicorn, slain nine centuries ago at the base of their Sacred Oak. Every one hundred years, the tragedy repeats itself, plunging Verde ever deeper into despair.
Now, the Tragedy of the Oak draws near and Gael, the Unicorn, grows increasingly afraid because of a dark secret kept by the Three: If he cannot find a way to break the tragic cycle, the Twelve White Beasts and his secret lover are cursed to die right alongside him.
Review: Gael, the Unicorn is praying and hoping that this time around they will break the curse that has befallen Verde time and time again. He knows that if they fail not only himself and his sister Gods, but also his secret lover and the Twelve Beasts are cursed to die. Ailill is the White Panther asked to undertake the investigation. when the White beasts start to fall, can he discover who is behind the poisonings and why?
Okay. if you have read the previous blog story, then you want to rip it up, chuck it over your shoulder and dance in joy over this much darker and angstier Poison. Gael has been keeping a secret from his sister Gods, Freddie and Etain; he has a lover who he wants to be with more than anything else. Gael no longer loves his sister Gods in any way other than as family, but knows that he cannot reveal his secret until after the Ceremony. Now the White Beasts are being poisoned and the people of Verde are out of control. Ailill is asked to discover the culprit, but the answer is always just out of reach.
This is a wonderful continuation of The Lost Gods series. Ailill is a character that we have seen many times before in previous books; the most memorable being in Burning Bright with Vanya (Ivan). In this one, Ailill is missing Ivan enormously, even though it has been nearly two years since he last saw him. When Ivan comes to visit, he is delighted, but he is embarking on an investigation into the poisoning of the White Eagle. So Ivan helps him out. Gael and his lover are both being pulled apart with keeping their secret and are hoping that the Ceremony will be a success so they can be together. But, as more White Beasts fall they begin to despair as Verde falls apart.
This is a very intricate storyline and although you are given subtle hints along the way, it is still a shock to discover the depths that someone will go to out of jealousy and the refusal to let go. If you have read the original blog story, well here’s a warning because this one is a lot darker and more violence, and with much more bitterness and vindictiveness with no remorse in sight. If you haven’t read the blog story then be prepared for violence, angst, bitterness and vindictiveness with no remorse in sight. In this one we again get a visit from the Gods from the previous books and more clues fall into place as to why Licht turned on his brother and sister Gods.
If you love high fantasy, fantasy, hot sex, brilliant storylines, incredible characters, twists, betrayal, secrets kept for hundreds of years, two great couples fighting their way to be together and a happy ending, then this is the story for you.
Blurb: When Prince Leon disappears and his people are unable to find him, they turn to the dragons for help. Nyle is the unlucky dragon tasked with finding the missing prince, a duty he dreads as it forces him into the confounding human world and away from his collection of pretties.
Locating a missing prince should be a simple matter, but if Nyle has learned anything about humans since being forced out among them it’s that they needlessly complicate everything. When he finally locates the errant prince, however, what Nyle finds is a treasure worth all the complications—worth protecting at all costs.
Review: An’nanyle (Nyle) is the dragon tasked with finding the human prince, Leon. But, Nyle discovers that things have been kept from the dragon Elders, as he is swept away by the young prince, who he wants as his pretty.
This is a very enjoyable fantasy, with its combination of dragons, wolves, magi and humans. Nyle is a very innocent, three hundred year old dragon. When he is tasked with finding the human prince, he is not happy to be taken from his pretties. But, he finds a pretty that he wants even more. Leon may be a prince, but his situation keeps him from returning home. With Nyle, he can be himself and together they uncover the secrets that the human King is hiding; that will bring the humans, wolves and dragons together to fight a common foe.
Well, this is a well written story that has good world building, great characters and an enjoyable storyline. Nyle and Leon are great characters who pull you into the story and keep you reading. Nyle is not quite your typical dragon, because although he loves his pretties and his hoard, he likes to do things his own way and he is the first dragon to have sex in hundreds of years! Leon is a werewolf and his wolf wants Nyle as well as his human side, but I don’t really think it is in the instant mates’ sense, more like both wolf and human like what they see and they corrupt the innocent dragon all too well ;-).
I enjoyed learning about Nyle and Leon’s world and we learn about the by-play between the species and some of the background about each of species. The characters are charming and the interaction between them all was great and I loved the fact that all the personalities are so different; two of the supporting characters that I thought were great were Nyle’s hatch mother Gail and maybe (complicated) father Toel. The storyline has plenty of action and humor (Nyle and his pretties), but it also has plenty of snuggles as well, we get some hot sex and see a dragon and wolf fall in love quite quickly.
I have to recommend this to those who love fantasy, shifters whether their dragons or wolves, who enjoy a touch of danger, humor, hot sex, pretties and a happy ending.
Blurb:Nine gods ruled the world until the ultimate betrayal resulted in their destruction. Now, the world is dying and only by restoring the Lost Gods can it be saved.
The Kingdom of Piedre has been torn apart by feuding since the Basilisk was found dead. The Brotherhood of the Black Rose seeks to ensure the Basilisk is destroyed forever, while the Order of the White Rose searches desperately for a way to restore him.
The latest mortal incarnation of the Lost God of Death is Prince Culebra, the Basilisk Prince. Plagued by assassins, one lover dead and the other gone, Culebra spends his days in despair, painfully aware that his predecessors died only one of two ways: murder or suicide.
Review: Oh. I was so looking forward to this one and it was worth the wait. Culebra is the incarnation of the Lost God, Basilisk. He goes through life feared, hated and worshiped, never able to see, as his eyes are covered to prevent his deadly gaze from killing. But, now one of the Roses has him in their hands and the fate of the world rests in the hands of the lover he drove away; the Captain who comforted him, his kidnapper and his kidnapper’s closest friend.
A great re-written story based on the original blog story. The story-line may have changed, but the plot is still the same (well with one added addition). Culebra is still reeling from the shock and horror of listening to one of his lovers being killed by mermaids and driving his other lover away. When he gets a visit from Captain Midori (now a Lord), he begins to think he might be able to put the past behind him. Cortez is given little choice in the matter of kidnapping the Basilisk Prince and it leads to an outcome that nobody could have foretold. Dario was pushed away by Culebra after the death of Dario’s brother. Now, he has been kidnapped to force the prince to do as he is told. Fidel has also been kidnapped, as a way to force Cortez to do as the cult wants. Now, as they all come together, the actions of a few have terrifying repercussions that could affect the world.
Okay. After all that and getting all the main characters a mention, I’m tired *sigh*. Okay, I’m refreshed, so this installment of The Lost Gods saga has quite a bit going on and is separated to different character’s POV. Luckily, we don’t lose track of what is going on or what is happening to whom, and although there are five MCs it doesn’t lessen the enjoyment of the story. We have seen Culebra and Midori in previous books so we have a good idea of their back stories. Dario is the bodyguard who was also Culebra’s lover and also the brother to Culebra’s other lover (confused?). Cortex and Fidel are former members of The Brotherhood of the Black Rose. I will be honest, for more information you will have to read the book otherwise this review will be an essay!
Culebra and Dario’s relationship was torn apart when Granito died. The trouble they find themselves in pulls them back together and add a new third to their relationship. We get to see a bit of M/M/M and we also see some hot sex, but it is far from that important to the story; finding that Schatten (the country) and Teufel (the God Licht’s companion) is involved in the plot to harm the Basilisk prince is. We also see the Gods from the previous books as well.
Well. I recommend everyone read this book, but then I am bias, so I will just say this, if you enjoy kidnappings… well, multiply kidnappings, snakes, assassins turning good, earthquakes, sword fights, chases through the mountains, throwing ones-self over a waterfall and a happy ending then I recommend this book for you. And for those of you who read the original then this is definitely worth reading.
Publisher: Less Than Three Press (14th March 2012)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb:Nine gods ruled the world until the ultimate betrayal resulted in their destruction. Now, the world is dying, and only by restoring the Lost Gods can it be saved.
In the land of Pozhar, the people fear the return of Zhar Ptitsa, the god of souls and rebirth who nearly destroyed them nine hundred years ago in a terrible rage. To prevent his rebirth, the people hunt down and sacrifice Vessels, those born with a piece of Zhar Ptitsa’s soul within them.
The Sacred Texts say that one thousand such Vessels will be born and all must be sacrificed to destroy Zhar Ptitsa once and for all. Now, only two pieces remain in the bodies of two thieves who will not go to the Flames without a fight.
Review: Oohh. What can I say to this one except Ooohhh? This is again a revised edition of an original that was posted on Megan Derr’s website and she has changed it up a bit so that even though it still has the original plot and characters the storyline is completely different. High Priest Dym has spent his entire life searching for the Vessels who carry pieces of Zhar Ptitsa’s soul. Now, finally there are only two left. Raz and Pechal are thieves and when the hunt for the new vessel begins Raz is determined that his friend will not be sacrificed and with the help of friends he sets out to avoid the sacrifices.
This is a brilliantly written fantasy that has mystery, intrigue, hunts, twists, danger and a couple of romances. Dym is in charge of the sacrifices to prevent the return of their God Zhar Ptitsa to Pozhar, but everything isn’t as it seems and a faction is trying to prevent the sacrifices from going to the Sacred Fire. Raz is one who doesn’t want to lose his friend to those fires, but even he ends up in danger when he comes face to face with Dym. There is a lot going on, as there are slightly overlapping stories as some actions in this book help with the progress of future books.
The characters in this book are great. There are quite a few of them and some of them are from future books which whets your appetite for those stories. we see Duke Krasny, Lord Ailill (a White Beast of Verde), Shio and Shinju (the mermaid sisters from the end of Treasure), we have new characters Raz, Dym, Zholty and Ivan and his gang and they make it an interesting story with quite a bit of action. Zholty is a sneaky character and is one to keep an eye on, but that isn’t to say that you should take your eyes off the others. There is again as always with Megan Derr inferred sex and we see the relationships building, but the focus is on the fantasy storyline. Can I say any more about this story? Well. Yes. But, then I might give it away and I would hate to ruin the discovery for you, so you really do need to read this book.
What can I say about this one except…damn? I have to read the next books in this series. For those of you who read the original then I say you have GOT to read this book, because there are some significant changes for some characters that will make interesting reading in the future books and it will be interesting to see how these changes affect books 4 and 5. And for those of you who haven’t read this book then what are you waiting for? If you love fantasy, danger, intrigue and a great storyline then you shouldn’t miss this book.
Publisher: Less Than Three Press (21st March 2012)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: While on Christmas vacation at a ski resort with his friends, Lasse expects only snowboarding and fun. What he doesn’t expect is Marko, who draws Lasse in and stirs feelings he never expected, feelings that Lasse is nevertheless more than happy to go along with.
Love is never easy though, and the fact that Marko is from another country is only one of the complications.
Review: Lasse and Marco meet while they are both on Christmas vacation. by the end of the holiday, Lasse and Marco are falling in love . But, Lasse is from Norway and Marco is from Finland and Marco’s brother (Armas) is hostile towards them. Can Lasse and Marco make it work or will distance and Armas keep them separated?
This is a lovely little novella that warms your heart. Lasse and Marco meet and are attracted to each other. They get to know each other and begin to fall in love, but Armas is against them being together and then they have the problem of distance when they go home. They make plans and things seem to be going well, but then a drunken Armas confesses secrets to Lasse. Marco and Lasse are a really cute couple and they hit it off really well after Marco comes to Lasse’s rescue.
While this story of love is sweet and gentle towards Lasse and Marco, it has some darker undertones from Armas. His past leads to him acting like he does and it has an impact on both Lasse and Marco who try to handle the revelations with support towards Armas. Lasse’s friends are great and Marco’s family as well, who welcome Lasse with open arms. The sex between Lasse and Marco is a mix between passionate and loving and doesn’t let you down as you can nearly feel the lust and love that it is infused with.
With this one I will recommend this to those who love gentle love, overcoming distance and different countries, hot sex and a very happy ending. P.S. I am hoping Armas’s story is next as he really needs a happy ending.
Publisher: Less Than Three Press (28th March 2012)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: An ordinary rainy day at the Bremen is interrupted when a strange courier shows up with a package for Peyton Blue, the Bremen’s much-loved owner and bartender. When the package turns out to be a piece of Peyton’s past and brings that past violently into the present, it is up to Johnnie to resolve a years old problem and put the past where it belongs once and for all.
Even though this is classed as Dance With The Devil 04 this is actually a follow on from Dance In The Dark(DWTD 02) and DITD must be read first.
Review: A stranger leaves a parcel for Peyton, who then reacts badly to seeing it. Johnnie and Grim set out to get to the bottom of the mystery.
This is a great little short story for those of us who are fans of Johnnie and Grim. Johnnie and Grim come to the aid of Peyton when a parcel is delivered and a mystery begins. Peyton ends up being attacked by members of his former pack, as they look for the Alpha Candidate. and the alpha candidate has fled them for a very good reason. Hudson has a good reason for fleeing his pack and with the Dracula upholding his laws, Hudson and Peyton might just be free.
Even though this story is for Peyton and Hudson and the start of their life together after the mystery is solved, this story is actually from Johnnie’s POV and it also gives us a glimpse once more into the lives of Johnnie and Grim. I must advise reading Dance In The Dark first, as that gives you the entire background into Johnnie and Grim. This story is a wonderful catch-up on what Johnnie and Grim are doing now and shows us that they are still helping their friends solve mysteries and Johnnie’s penchant for fairy tales.
I will recommend this to those who love paranormal, mysteries/sleuthing and a great ending for all involved.
Title: If Wishes Were Coffee
